The constitution of Armenia provides for freedom of religion, but in practice the Armenian Apostolic Church is favored and non-Apostolic groups are restricted in their religious activities. The 1991 law on religious organizations establishes separation of church and state but grants the Armenian Apostolic Church a special status. The law forbids proselytizing and requires all non-Apostolic religious organizations to register with the government. In order to register, a church must "be free from materialism and of a purely spiritual nature," and its doctrine must be based upon "historically recognized scriptures."
In 1993, President Ter-Petrossian issued a decree supplementing the 1991 law and strengthening the position of the Armenian Orthodox Church. Under this decree, the Council on Religious Affairs may investigate the activities of representatives of registered religious organizations and ban missionaries who engage in activities contrary to their status. An organization refused registration cannot publish a newspaper or magazine, rent a meeting hall, air radio or TV programs or sponsor the visas of visitors to Armenia.
In 1997, the Armenian Parliament passed amendments to the 1991 law which would further restrict the freedoms of non-Apostolic faiths. Non-ethnic based religious groups would be forced to re-register within six months. The minimum members for a registering group would be increased from 100 to 200 members. Financing of non-Apostolic groups from abroad would be prohibited, and a person would be required to be 18 years of age to belong to a non-Apostolic group. Russians, Yezids, Jews, Greeks and some other ethnic groups would be exempted from these provisions. The president of Armenia declined to approve these amendments and sent them back to the Parliament with a list of objections and suggested changes.
In March 2002, the president abolished the Council on Religious Affairs saying that the duties of the council would be assumed by an office under the President.
2003 U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Report on Armenia
ARMENIA: Council of Europe fails to punish commitment violations over imprisoned conscientious objectors WorldWide Religious News, 4/19/04
ARMENIA: Government breaks promises to Council of Europe WorldWide Religious News, 2/04/04
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